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Thursday, October 3, 2013

Nothing beats the excitement of a fight with a powerful game fish and the thrill of bringing it in.

In early September every year, these highly prized queens of the marlin group flock to the waters off Cairns to breed and spawn along the 250 km stretch of the Great Barrier Reef. The stretch of the reef between Cairns and Lizard Island is the undisputed best place for anglers to catch the biggest Black Marlin in some of the best conditions in the whole world.

The Marlin is one of the fastest species of fish. If you’ve ever attempted to reel one in, then you’ll know they’re also pretty strong. Black Marlins usually weigh in at around 750 kg, but greater weights have been recorded. If you want to try your hand at bringing in one yourself then hop on cheap flights to Cairns before the end of December, head out into the Coral Sea, and try your luck before they head back north. Or, plan your trip for next year. But make sure you take advantage of the best big marlin fishing in the world. It’s right on our doorstep!

There are a few different options for getting out on the water and beginning your Black Marlin hunt. For serious anglers, the best way to take advantage of these superb conditions is to charter a multi-day trip and live aboard the boat (you can also sneak in some diving, snorkelling and swimming on the reef!). You’ll also be able to follow the fish as they move, and angle at various different locations on the reef.

Otherwise, many operators offer day trips from Cairns. Of course, Black Marlin are not the only fish that are going to give you a nibble. There’s plenty of Wahoo, King Mackerel, Tuna, Giant Trevally and Mahi Mahi that make perfect bait for the Marlin and a delicious dinner.

Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like a few bites from a monster marlin, not to mention hooking one, the fight and eventually bringing it in.If you’ve got a few days to kill this Christmas season or are itching for some angling action, get up north to Black Marlin territory.